As a resident of Staten Island, I am appalled at the express bus service along Father Capodanno Boulevard. I am constantly waiting an average of 30 minutes for an X4 to downtown Manhattan every morning.

As commuters, we become complacent in the fact that we are the “forgotten borough.” But it’s all about money. If I get to work on time, I remain gainfully employed and get paid. Then I can buy a $55 MetroCard per week. Then, I pay $5.50 for the “privilege” of getting on a bus one way.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority uses Staten Island as a cash cow, constantly cutting our service despite the fact that this is the only means of mass transportation in the borough

. Now, they are raising the fare to $6 each way and cutting service again and I will have no choice but to pay for the bad service.

Since the MTA is claiming that they have no money to improve service, I propose that an independent auditor examine their books to see exactly what the fares are going to fund because, obviously, it not for timely express bus service on Staten Island.